Morgan Geekie Scouting Report: 2017 NHL Draft #69

KELOWNA, CANADA - OCTOBER 21: Morgan Geekie #28 of the Tri-City Americans passes the puck against the Kelowna Rockets on October 21, 2016 at Prospera Place in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Marissa Baecker/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***

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Undraftedone year ago, Morgan Geekie exploded this season with 35 goals and 90 points in 72 games for the Tri-City Americans. It was a big improvement on the 12 goals and 25 points he put up in 2015-16. Geekie finished tied for 9th in WHL scoring this season. However, he struggled in the playoffs with just one goal in four games as the Americans looked overmatched in their first round loss to the eventual WHL Champion Seattle Thunderbirds. That said Geekie’s big season has still brought him back on the draft radar and makes it unlikely that he will pass through the draft again. He was even named a Western Conference 2nd Team All-Star this year.

Morgan Geekie Scouting Report: 2017 NHL Draft

Skating

Morgan Geekie has really improved his skating over the last year, but there is still a bit more to go. While he once was considered slow, he is now at average speed. His first step and acceleration are also decent. While he does not blow anyone away, the fact that he is better able to keep up with the play has been a big key in Geekie’s approvement. He also has improved his agility and edge work. Geekie is now making tighter turns, as well as generating better power and acceleration better with his crossovers. This along with better cuts has helped him to be more effective in both ends of the ice. He has good balance. It is tough to knock Geekie off the puck, and he wins battles in the corners as well as the front of the net.

Offensive Game

Geekie creates most of his offense in the dirty areas of the ice. With the puck on his stick, he looks to manufacture offense by getting to the front of the net. From there he can dish the puck to a linemate through a tight opening, or finish in close to the goaltender. He has very good vision and makes smart plays with the puck on his stick. He also has the hands necessary to pounce on rebounds and to redirect shots into the net. Geekie has also really improved his one-timer, and loves to let it go from between the face-off circles. He usually fires either a quick wrist or snap shot, with good power and an excellent release.

Geekie is not afraid to take punishment to make plays, and he battles hard in the corners and in front of the net. He cycles the puck well, protecting the puck while fighting through checks, and getting it to teammates. However, he is not the type to make a big hit.

Defensive Game

Geekie is very good defensively. He is one of the best in the WHL in the face-off circle and is a key penalty killer for the Americans. He is also used to match-up against other teams top lines. Geekie works hard to almost always be on the right side of the puck. He uses his body to block shots, as well as an active stick to cut down passing lanes. Geekie provides support to the defense down low and keeps his man to the outside when defending the cycle. He also transitions quickly to offense when an opportunity presents itself.

Projection and Comparison

Morgan Geekie has really improved over the last year. He has the potential to be a second or third line centre in the NHL if this continues. He’s done a lot of work in the weight room, and on improving his skating and this really shows. His style is reminiscent of Logan Couture of the San Jose Sharks. This is not a talent based comparison though.

Highlights

The following is a compilation of highlights, assembled from Youtube.

Check back tomorrow for the next prospect available on our draft board.